From
June 12 to 20 fire burned in the heart of Lady Evelyn-Smoothwater
Wilderness Park, at the confluence of the Grays and Lady Evelyn Rivers.
Fortunately, it was prior to the main canoeing season, but during a
high-extreme fire-hazard rating. The risk of fire was high enough that the
Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) had banned open fires.

One hundred and
fifty-six firefighters fought the fire, known as Temagami 5, with support from seven helicopters, and
two water bombers with a "bird dog," or spotter plane, from the
Northwest Territories. The most dangerous work fell to the attack crews that were
dropped by helicopter on June 15. They set up nine camps around the
perimeter with a three- or four-person crew in each and stayed for eight
days. Temperatures dropped to record-breaking lows on June 20, reaching a
high of only 4.4° C. That night the firefighters were helped by a
miraculous three inches
of snow, effectively ending the fire after burning 771 hectares. On June 22 after mopping up,
the helicopters took the attack crews out.

The cause was
determined to be an unattended campfire on McGiffin Lake. As the lake
is not on a canoe route, it is likely to have been fly-in anglers.

Tony
Woolhouse was a member one of the attack crews and took these dramatic photos. Fighting fires is hard, dangerous
work.
Our thanks to all the Ministry of Natural Resources' firefighters.